Is riding a bike at night as dangerous as the media would have you think? Bicycle Network’s General Manager of Communications (and Ride On Editor) Melissa Heagney takes a look at Melbourne’s newest night ride.
Carnage! Danger! Oh the horror of riding a bike at night!
If you read the papers in Melbourne over the past few weeks, you may think getting on two wheels after dark is the most dangerous thing to hit the fair city of Melbourne!
Especially if it’s a professionally organised bike event called Ride the Night.
Ride the Night is Melbourne’s newest night time bike riding event, and it’s on tomorrow night. Around 2000 riders are signed up to enjoy the sights, sounds and entertainment on offer.
It’s an event which not only gives riders a fantastic, one-of-a-kind experience – it also offers route marshals, motorcycle marshals, security at rest stops, first aid and a stack of volunteers (more than 200) to support riders. Not to mention the event’s team members.
There’s entertainment like yoga, light shows, movies – even bouldering (rock climbing) at designated spots along the route … yoga …oh the terror!
While the route has been changed, it’s because the event organisers at Bicycle Network have been speaking with Victoria Police, local councils, roads authorities and the community about it all.
Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards says it’s a normal part of the process when setting up and event that negotiations are had up until a few days before the event
As he said in one of the articles touting the “dangerous” ride:
“The route was carefully chosen,” and, “We take great care of our riders. We have professional traffic management people all along the route.”
One of the best parts of this ride, apart from the great adventure on offer, is that it’s raising funds for the event partner the Youth Support Advocacy Service (YSAS) who help young people with addiction issues.
As any bike rider knows there’s always a risk when you jump on two wheels – any time of the day or night – but, if you’re taking part in Ride the Night, be assured you’ll be well looked after.
There’s no need to lose sleep – except for tomorrow night of course, when you’ll be riding!
Visit our pages for more information about bike lights or rides you can do at night
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im so excited to be riding tomorrow night. Been looking forward to this event for months. And I’m at an age where I’m a bit cautious about my health and well-being. I see no concerns with Ride the Night. It’s probably more hazardous for me on a local training ride, with semi-trailers passing at 100kmh..
As a volunteer Route Marshal with years of experience I don’t see the ride as any more risky, if not considerably less risky than riding during the day, especially during peak hours. All riders must have their bike appropriately fitted with lights & reflector, and that makes them more visible at night. All the better if riders are wearing some brightly coloured or hi-viz cycling gear.